Dunlavy invited to NRHA Derby

The National Collegiate Equestrian Association selected South Dakota State reiner Laura Dunlavy to represent the Jackrabbits and the NCEA at the 2013 NHRA Reining Derby on June 29, in Oklahoma City.

“I’m very excited for Laura to represent our team at this prestigious event,” SDSU head coach Megan Rossiter said. “Laura worked extremely hard over the last few years to make it to this point, and is a top contender.”

A junior from Willmar, Minn., Dunlavy posted a 12-3 record in the ring for the Jackrabbits this season, including a trio of MOP performances on her way to becoming the second Jackrabbit to ever win NCEA All-American honors.

Dunlavy follows in the footsteps of former Jackrabbit Helen Lauth, who competed at the NRHA Derby in 2008 and 2009.

The Collegiate Reining Championship consists of 12 riders – four from the NCEA, four from the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association, and four that are selected by the NRHA.

The NCEA selected its top four reiners from the 2012-13 season to this year’s championship, with all four earning NCEA First-Team All-America honors.

Along with Dunlavy, the NCEA representatives include e McKenzie Lantz from Georgia, Katy Krshka from Oklahoma State and Indy Roper from Auburn.

Oklahoma State’s Jenna Blumer earned the first alternate position and Baylor’s Shelbey Jackson the second alternate spot.

The 2013 NRHA Derby runs June 22-29 at the State Fair Arena. For more information on the Derby, visit NRHAderby.com. For more on the NCEA and its member institutions, visit CollegiateEquestrian.com.